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I have had several people ask for tips for Shopping On A Budget.  So, here you have it. The Recessionista’s guide to staying a(fashion)float, when the economy isn’t.

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The Fun Stuff: We all  know that I am obsessed with Missoni.  But we also know that Missoni = $$$$$$$.    Other than the amazing fabric and design of real Missoni’s, the fun is in the print.  So you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the same look.  If you can’t live without Missoni, splurge on getting that pop of print in either a scarf for $162 or the Missoni Headband for $110.

Missoni Scarf ~ Forever 21 Zig Zag Tunic ~ Forever21 Zig Zag Top ~ Missoni Head Band ~

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The Wrap Go-To Dress:  If you can afford to save up for a few weeks to make an investment in a Diane Von Furstenberg dress, do it.  These dresses are made to last and perfect for any occasion.  Job interviews, weddings, baby showers, shopping days, dinner dates…you name it.  Another plus? The DVF wrap dress is great for travel.  You can roll it up in your bag and be sure that it won’t wrinkle.

*Tip: If a dress is slightly wrinkled, hang it up in the bathroom while you shower and let the steam do the work.

DVF Wrap Dress = $325 vs. Banana Republic $98.  You can always get your DVF fix by spicing up your look with the DVF Ipad case = $135 or a Hat & Tote set for $98

DVF Wrap Dress ~ Banana Republic Wrap Dress ~ Banana Republic Tribal Print Wrap Dress ~ DVF Ipad Case ~ DVF Hat & Tote Set

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The Work Pant:  Back in my corporate years, I searched high and low to find the perfect black pants for work.  I wanted them to fit lower on the hip, but not too low for any muffin top action.  I needed something slightly stretchy, wider at the bottom and strong enough to take a bunch of wear and tear so I could wear them almost every day.  The Theory Emery Pant is infamously known as the girls best black work pant.  Sure it’s $245 but I have owned by 1 pair for nearly 3 years and they look good as new.  Before I had Theory, I found the most perfect pair of black pants for only $60 from, wait for it, Express.  The Express Editor Pants (longer than seen in photo) are a great alternative to the Theory pant. They in no way compare to Theory’s well constructed Emery’s, but if you’re looking to save a buck I think this is your best bet.

Theory Emery Pant ~ Express Editor Pant

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The Basics:  I didn’t start shopping at American Apparel until I moved to Los Angeles 5 years ago.  Boy was I missing out! Sure I have my token basic pieces from James Perse, but you can not go wrong with American Apparel.  For example, the James Perse Slub Pique Dress is $125 while the American Apparel Oversized Tee Dress is only $45 and you can hardly tell the difference.  A couple other prices that make me happy are the American Apparel Scoop Back Dress, $48 & American Apparel Racerback Set of 3 dresses, $60.  The Racerback dresses will last you all summer and you get THREE for $60! Steal!

James Perse Cami Dress ~ American Apparel Scoop Back Dress ~ American Apparel Racerback Dress Set of 3 ~ James Perse Slub Pique Dress ($125) ~ American Apparel Oversized Tee Dress

Handbags are serious business.

I personally look toward buying a handbag as an investment.   You can always resale them to a consignment boutique and make your money back. Ask anyone who knows me, but I truly consider every one of my handbags as an investment piece and consider it my only savings (well, maybe not only).  Here’s my theory:  You spend $1,500 on a very nice bag (maybe a Chanel?).  You will carry that bag 365 days of the year. $1,500 divided by 365 = $4 a day for a Chanel.  Ummm, I will definitely skip the Starbucks every day in order to have a fab bag. AND you will carry it for much, much longer than 1 year.  I have had my 1st pink Chanel for 6 years now and it’s one of my favorite pieces.

Okay, justifications aside, here are a few bags to save you some cash during this awful recession.

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Tip* If you can’t go designer, designer, then don’t skimp out by trying to make it look like you’re carrying a designer.  Go the opposite direction and look for vintage looking bags from flea markets that have absolutely no label.

Cooperative Mini Crossbody Bag, $38 ~ Cooperative Canvas Bucket Bag, $48 ~ Asos Plastic Clutch, $45 ~ FreePeople Travel Bag, $98

In a nutshell:

• If you’re trying to shop on a budget they key is to have a particular item in mind that you are trying to mimic.  For example, if you find a great Alice+Olivia floral dress, have that dress in mind as you search Forever21, Macy’s, Urban Outfitter’s for its twin.  You won’t find an exact match up, but most lower end stores copy the high end designers runways, so you will see similarities.
• Save Up!  My fiancé has taught me that instead of buying a new top from Forever 21 every week, that I should put that money in my jar and in 4 weeks I’ll have nearly $100 saved up to invest in a designer piece like Theory or Marc by Marc Jacobs.  The material will last longer and you will feel better knowing that you invested in a quality item.
• Sit On It – I have started shopping online and keeping things in my Shopping Cart until the very end of the day so I can give it thought.  Avoid going to malls and stores because you will feel that pressure to buy immediately.  Shopping can be like a drug, an adrenaline rush, so try and avoid getting that quick fix because it will leave you with an empty bank account.
• Sell Your Clothes – Have a closet that’s full of stuff you don’t wear? Go to your local trading post or Crossroads and sell your items.  Take the money and invest in a few classic pieces.
• Trade Your Clothes – Have a party with your girlfriends where you each bring 5 pieces of clothing that you don’t want to toss, but don’t want to wear out for the 10th time in a row. Have a trading party! Or “borrowing” party.